Family Activities & Kids' Games

Canoe rides begin at 1 p.m. Life jackets, throw cushions, paddles and instructions will be provided along with a gentle push to get you started and a helping hand when you get back. Enjoy a relaxing ride around the lake with the safety of a pit crew who can help if you need it.

The kids will love the excitement of jumping in a giant bounce house and racing down the inflatable slide. For young children and the young at heart, carnival games, balloon animals and face painting also will be available.

Box hockey is back by popular demand from the good old summer playground days of yore. You can also test your reflexes with the Parks and RecreationNEOS attraction and test your skill level at Super Jam Basketball. A nine-hole disc golf course will be set up along the east side of Oak Lake Park. Discs and score cards will be provided.

Challenge your family and friends to a friendly game of horseshoes, bocce ball, croquet or volleyball. All equipment will be set up and ready for impromptu play. Bring your own team or join a team already playing. Very basic playing rules will be posted with the first rule being

have FUN!

B-49, G-15, I-7... Bingo! You'll find it in the open shelter on the east side of the lake between 1 and 5 p.m. Anyone age 12 and over is welcome to play for a quarter per card per game. Whether it's five in a row or blackout, the winner of all games will receive a prize.

From 3 to 5 p.m., test your marksman skills at the archery range at the north end of Oak Lake Park. Trained staff will be on hand to give basic instruction as well as ensure safety and supervision. And don't forget to check out the Laser Quest tent for a game of Quick Draw.

An Independence Day celebration wouldn't be complete without races and relays beginning at 3 p.m. Compete in a three-legged race, potato race or mile-high relay. You'll also have the opportunity to cool off with the sponge relay and water balloon toss. Test your listening skills with a fun and friendly (yet competitive!) game of Simon Says. Watching is as much fun as playing, so bring your chair and come on over to the shelter for these games.

After a day full of recreational fun, sit back and enjoy Oak Lake Park's famous Zambelli Internationalefireworks display. The Uncle Sam Jam is sure to keep you and your family ooh-ing and ahh-ing all day long. Come for the fun, stay for the fireworks, and show your patriotism!